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On the way to North Cyprus folk dance

National folk dance costumes of Cyprus used to vary depending on the region of the island. The garments, which existed in every region, demonstrated the rich variety of local materials and the Cypriots creative skills.

Women used to dress in the Sayia, a long-sleeved tunic open at the front and sides, with long baggy pants caught around the ankle, a blouse and leather boots.

Sayian was made in a variety of fabrics, from simple spun flax and woven cotton to fine silk. Sayian was usually somewhat less than the blouse, so that the embroidery around the trousers bottom exposed. Cyprus was renowned for its gold-embroidered silk in the Middle Ages, especially during the reign of Lusignans kings.

At the age of ten Sophia moved from Sweden in 1998 and has since lived in several locations around the world including Spain, and has been residing in North Cyprus for four years now.
Her educational background is in marketing, hotel management and real estate, and she now works as a real estate agent and is editor in chief for New Cyprus Magazine.
If you any questions for Sophia, please write to: sophia@newcyprusmagazine.com.